“When would be a good time to talk about it…”

“I thought you were quiet because you found me uninteresting.”

“That’s not true.”

Hadel, who had been holding my waist, tightened his grip on my waist again. There was a sincere earnestness in his deep red eyes.

“Since meeting you, it feels like I can finally breathe.”

Strange things were happening. Every time Hadel showed a vulnerable side, a certain part of my heart felt prickly and regretful. But at the same time, seeing Hadel, who wants only me, brought a warm joy.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been alone for a long time, or perhaps something about my love has gone awry.

‘I don’t know.’
I reached out and gently stroked Hadel’s slightly disheveled hair. Hadel, with his large build, stared at me like a gentle puppy.

Straight eyebrows, eyes that looked fierce when closed, a button-like nose, and well-shaped lips.

‘Didn’t they say that kissing under the evergreen tree brings eternal happiness?’

Looking at the lips, I couldn’t resist the urge to peck them. Just to verify whether the legend was true or if it was just the child’s made-up words?

I teasingly poked Hadel.

“Hey, Hadel, at this rate, I might turn back into a pheasant.”

“Hmm?”

However, the naive Hadel didn’t understand my playful remark. I chuckled.

‘Indeed, beating around the bush doesn’t suit me!’

I grabbed Hadel’s face and boldly planted a kiss on his slightly bewildered lips.

Hadel, who was momentarily surprised, soon closed his eyes. The kiss was sweet.

Hadel and I arrived at the castle around the time the sunset faded into the evening. The ruler of Nerris turned out to be a woman.

“Welcome to Nerris.”

“A splendid territory you have here.”

“Feel free to speak, Your Excellency. I am Evelyn, the lord of Nerris. Despite my shortcomings, I received the title of a viscount under His Majesty’s recognition.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

She was more courteous than anyone I had met so far. Hadel also greeted her politely.

Evelyn’s gaze turned towards me.

“And the one who came with you is…?”

“My fiancée.”

“I see. Nice to meet you.”

As Hadel was about to introduce me further.

I smiled casually.

“I’m Marian. Nice to meet you for the first time.”

Evelyn took the lead and entered the castle, speaking amiably.

“Have you had a chance to explore my territory? It must be bustling during the festival season, isn’t it?”

Not just bustling; it was downright noisy. I couldn’t say that, so I gave an ambiguous smile. Hadel made a sociable response.

“There were many interesting foods. I’d like to create a similar festival in our territory.”

Interesting foods… The tangy cheese made from sheep’s milk came to mind again. I shouldn’t eat it again if I come back.

Evelyn also responded warmly.

“Haha, it’s a peaceful time thanks to Your Excellency blocking the ice monsters. We’re always grateful.”

We sat down in the dining room. Contrary to what I expected, the reserved person had a round dining table. Somehow, Evelyn and I ended up sitting face to face.

As soon as we took our seats, Evelyn brought up the main topic.

“I was very surprised the first time I saw the Hynari Tan. I’ve read about it in the records, but to see it in person is truly moving.”

“There are records?”

I widened my eyes at the unexpected words. Evelyn gently smiled and replied.
“Yes. Similar cases are recorded in the documents left by past magic users. Recently, Flame Mana possessors have become so rare that attempts to actually implement it were impossible.”

“I see.”

Everyone reacted as if they were seeing the Hynari Tan for the first time, and I thought they didn’t know, but perhaps it was recorded in documents. At Evelyn’s explanation, my eyebrows involuntarily narrowed.

‘In the past, Flame attributes weren’t so rare.’

I have no idea what happened over the past 100 years.

While I was making a fist and groaning, the lord’s aide came with paper and pen.

“We actively want to purchase Hynari Tan for our territory. Let’s discuss it seriously.”

Ugh, they’re diving into practical matters straight away before even having dinner.

I felt exhausted from walking too much. Sensing my condition, Hadel offered consideration first.

“Do you want to go to the room and rest, Marian?”

It seemed like lying down on the bed might lead to sleep. However, I couldn’t waste time when I didn’t know when I might turn back into a pheasant.

“I’d like to read the documents you mentioned. Do you have them with you?”

Evelyn nodded willingly.

“I’ll have them brought to your room. Are you interested in magical artifacts?”

“I have some general knowledge because my friend explained a lot.”

“I see. Then let me guide you to the room.”

When she clapped her hands, a maid immediately guided me.